How to change the style of icons on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi’s Standard Icons May Not Be Liked by Users

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based or new HyperOS-based smartphones offer flexible customization options, but the icons’ factory design is often criticized, and many users complain of a mismatch in style (too “childish” or “aggressive” look), inconsistency on some wallpapers, and the fact that standard icon packages are quickly boring. Moreover, after system upgrades, the design can change dramatically – for example, the transition from MIUI 14 to HyperOS has led many to look like a new model.

Fortunately, Xiaomi provides several formal and informal icon-change methods, from simple themes to deep customization through third-party launchers. In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways, including the hidden features of HyperOS for changing icons without root rights, which are not widely dokumented. Importantly, some methods may require factory resetting or additional software installation, so make a backup of the data before experimenting.

Method 1: Using embedded MIUI/HyperOS themes

The safest and easiest way is to use the official theme store.It is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI 12-15 or HyperOS. Unlike third-party solutions, this method does not require the installation of additional applications and is guaranteed not to disrupt the system.

To change icons through themes:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the icon tab in the lower menu.
3. Choose your favorite package (e.g. Minimal UI, Neumorphic or Pixel Style).
4. Click Apply - the changes will take effect immediately.

Note that some themes may be paid (between 50 and 300 rubles), but there are also free options with weekly updates, and HyperOS also has a feature called Mixed Icons, which allows you to combine styles from different themes.

Problems and limitations of embedded themes

• 🔄 Not all icons change: some system applications (like Settings or Phone) may stay in the standard style.
• 📱 Dependence on the model: on the budget Redmi (for example, Redmi) 12C) selection of topics.
• 🔒 Reset after update: after major system updates, topics may be reset.

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If the theme doesn’t work, try clearing the Themes app cache in your phone’s settings. This often solves the problem of “hung” styles.

Method 2: Installation of third-party launchers

If the built-in themes are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher - a program that replaces the standard interface. MIUI/HyperOS. Popular options:

• 📱 Nova Launcher – supports.apk icon packages and offers deep animation customization.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – Optimized for weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A).
• 🔧 Lawnchair – an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher.
• 🌈 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Cloud Services.

For installation:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Install an icon package (such as Whicons or Delta from the Play Market).
3. In the launcher settings, select Icons → Icon Package and apply the downloaded style.

Comparison of launchers for Xiaomi

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS, some launchers (such as Lawnchair) may conflict with system gestures. → Display. → Navigation gestures.

Method 3: Manually modifying icons via ADB (for advanced)

If you’re ready to experiment, you can manually change your system app icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires debugging over USB and works only on unlocked bootloaders (for most Xiaomi models, except Chinese versions).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open Command Prompt and type in: Adb devices (your device should appear).
4. Download the icon package in.zip format (for example, from the XDA Developers website) and unpack it in a folder on your PC.
5. Use the command to replace the icon (example for Settings): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/new_settings_icon.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png chmod 644 /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png reboot

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly replacing system files can lead to bootloop (locked phone turn on).Before experimenting, create a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

Install ADB-PC drivers|Download the right icon package for your screen resolution|Backup the system.|Check the vacant space in /system (less 50 MB)|Disable antivirus on PC-->

Method 4: Using Magisk modules (requires root)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk, modules that change icons at the system level are available.

• 🔧 MiUIcons – replaces icons of standard applications (Camera, Gallery, Calls).
• 🎨 HyperOS Themes Enabler Unlocks Hidden Themes in New Firmware.
• 📱 Iconify – a universal module for customization of icons and fonts.

Installation:

1. Download a module (e.g. MiUIcons) in.zip format.
2. Open Magisk Manager, go to Modules → Install from storage.
3. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
4. Reboot the phone.

The advantage of this method is deep integration: icons change even in system menus (for example, in Quick Settings).

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• 🔄 Conflicts with OTA-Updates (modules must be disabled before update).

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Magisk modules allow you to change the icons of system applications that are not customizable through themes or launchers, but this method is only suitable for advanced users with root rights.

Method 5: Creating your own icons (for designers)

If you don't find the right style, you can create your own icons and apply them through a launcher or themes.

• 🎨 Adobe Photoshop or Figma for design).
• 📦 Android Asset Studio (for generating icons under different resolutions).
• 📱 Icon Pack Studio (application for assembling packages of icons).

Step-by-step:

1. Create an icon in PNG format with a transparent background, measuring 192×192 px (for xxhdpi).
2. Use Android Asset Studio (link) to generate icons for all resolutions (ldpi, mdpi, hdpi, etc.).
3. Import files to Icon Pack Studio and assemble a.apk packet.
4. Install the package on your phone and apply through a launcher (like Nova).

For inspiration, you can use templates from sites:

• 🌐 Flaticon (free of charge) SVG-icons).
• 🌐 Icons8 (Styles of iOS, Material, Windows 11).
• 🌐 DeviantArt (User Packages for Xiaomi).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you change icons, users often face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS, some icon packages from the Play Market may not work due to a modified theme mechanism.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions